CVE-2016-15055 in IP-Camera
Summary
by MITRE • 11/13/2025
JVC VN-T IP-camera models firmware versions up to 2016-08-22 (confirmed on the VN-T216VPRU model) contain a directory traversal vulnerability in the checkcgi endpoint that accepts a user-controlled file parameter. An unauthenticated remote attacker can leverage this vulnerability to read arbitrary files on the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-15055 affects JVC VN-T IP-camera models, specifically those running firmware versions up to 2016-08-22 with confirmed exploitation on the VN-T216VPRU model. This directory traversal flaw exists within the checkcgi endpoint of the camera's web interface, creating a critical security weakness that allows unauthorized remote access to sensitive system files. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation on the file parameter, which permits attackers to manipulate directory paths and access files outside the intended directory structure. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the checkcgi endpoint where user-controlled input is directly incorporated into file system operations without adequate sanitization or validation. An unauthenticated remote attacker can construct malicious requests that traverse directory structures to access sensitive files such as configuration data, authentication credentials, system logs, or other potentially sensitive information stored on the device. The attack vector requires no prior authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from any network location. This vulnerability represents a significant weakness in the camera's web application security model and demonstrates inadequate input validation practices in the firmware implementation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with potential access to critical system components that could enable further exploitation. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could obtain system configuration details, network settings, user credentials, or other sensitive data that might reveal network topology or system architecture. The exposure of such information could facilitate more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation, denial of service conditions, or even complete system compromise. This vulnerability particularly affects surveillance and security infrastructure deployments where cameras are often deployed in sensitive environments and where unauthorized access to camera data could compromise security operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-15055 should focus on immediate firmware updates from JVC to address the directory traversal vulnerability in affected camera models. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to these devices and deploy network monitoring solutions to detect suspicious traffic patterns targeting the checkcgi endpoint. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary web services on the cameras, implementing strong access controls, and conducting regular security assessments of networked devices. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in embedded systems, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1083 for file and directory discovery. Organizations should consider implementing network access controls using firewalls to restrict access to the affected endpoints and ensure that all networked devices are regularly updated with the latest security patches to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.